3 decline in volume partially offset by a 19

Verdict: Don’t bother picking upJason Snelling RB Atlanta FalconsThe extent of Michael Turner’s injury is what will ultimately determine Snelling’s potential value. At this point, it certainly appears that he is going to miss a few weeks (as evidenced by the signing of Aaron Stecker), meaning that putting in a claim for Snelling would certainly be an intelligent decision. He may share carries with Jerious Norwood, but after getting 18 carries this past week, it would appear that it may be slanted in his favor. Verdict: While not the best pick this week, he’s certainly worth grabbing if you are in need of a backRobert Meachem WR New Orleans SaintsHe had just one catch, though it did go for a touchdown, while picking up 71 yards between rushing and receiving. Nice day, but there are just way too many weapons to even consider him. Verdict: Too much risk to own.Bernard Scott - RB - Cincinnati BengalsHe had 13 carries replacing an injured Cedric Benson, showing that he would be the replacement option should Benson be forced to miss time. With Benson’s injury said not to be serious, I’d much rather take a the gamble on some of the other options this week, especially since he managed just 2.5 yards per carry in Week 10. Verdict: Don’t bother, considering the other backs available What are your thoughts on these players Which would you grab Which would you avoidYou can view some of our early Week 11 Rankings, such as:Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers This article is also featured on Schulman Reports Fiscal 2009 First-Quarter Results; Liquidity Position RemainsExcellent- Reported fiscal 2009 first-quarter net income of $8.2 million ($0.31 perdiluted share) compares with reported net income of $10.0 million ($0.36 perdiluted share) for the fiscal 2008 first quarterAKRON, Ohio, Jan 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ A Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq:SHLM) announced today that net sales for the fiscal first quarter endedNovember 30, 2008, were $388.4 million, a 21.8 decline from net sales of$496.6 million for the comparable quarter last year.Tonnage was down 27.8and the translation effect of foreign currency, primarily the euro, reducedsales by an incremental 3.7.The effect of pricing and mix increased sales9.7.The tonnage decline primarily reflects the unprecedented drop-off indemand, particularly in November, as well as last year's downsizing in theCompany's North America Engineered Plastics business.Excluding the effect ofthese planned volume reductions, volume was down approximately 21, reflectingthe weak marketplace.Gross profit decreased to $41.1 million or 10.6 of netsales from $55.6 million or 11.2 of net sales a year ago as the Company'sefforts to reduce fixed costs did not fully offset the sharp decline in sales.Reported net income for the fiscal 2009 first quarter was $8.2 million or$0.31 per diluted share, compared with $10.0 million or $0.36 per dilutedshare for the first quarter of last year.The translation effect of foreigncurrencies accounted for $1.2 million of the net income decrease or almost$0.05 per diluted share.Reported net income for the first quarter also included approximately $0.5million of charges, net of tax, related to the ongoing restructuringactivities and other employee termination costs.Excluding these non-operating charges, net income would have been $8.7 million or $0.33 perdiluted share.Reported net income for the fiscal 2008 first quarter included an after-tax loss of $1.1 million related to employee termination costs in Europe and afinal Hurricane Rita insurance claim settlement.Excluding these unusualitems, net income for the fiscal 2008 first quarter would have been $11.1million or $0.39 per diluted share."The first quarter of our fiscal year was extremely unusual," said JosephM.

Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer."Septemberperformance was similar to the pattern we saw throughout fiscal 2008.Octobershowed a slight decline, whereas November was significantly worse.The poorperformance in November is attributed to both our European and Mexicanbusinesses beginning to see the effects of the global economic recession, andthe continued poor performance of the North American automotive market.Wewere pleased, however, that our prior cost-reduction efforts enabled ouroverall operating losses in North America to remain essentially flat comparedwith the first quarter of last year, on 40 less volume.In addition, we haveproactively initiated further cost-reduction efforts announced in December2008 to help offset what we anticipated would be a continuing trend, and aspart of our strategy to reduce costs, realign resources and eliminate lower-margin businesses.These actions included significant reductions in our NorthAmerican automotive capacity and moderate reductions in our Europeanmasterbatch capacity."Fortunately, the working capital program we initiated during fiscal 2008continued its strong performance during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.Cash flow was very strong and our cash position and liquidity remainexcellent."Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) ExpenseFiscal 2009 first-quarter SG&A expense was $34.9 million, a decrease of$4.4 million compared with last year's first quarter.Approximately one-thirdof the decrease was due to the effects of foreign exchange rate decreases.The remainder of the decrease relates to the cost-reduction initiatives takenin North America over the past year.During the quarter, the Company recordedan incremental $0.3 million in bad debt expense.Cash Flow From OperationsCash flow from operations was $44.3 million for the quarter ended November30, 2008, compared with $8.8 million for the comparable period last year.Thesignificant increase in cash flow was driven primarily by the Company'sefforts to reduce working capital in line with declining sales, resulting incash on hand increasing to $115.8 million on November 30, 2008, from $97.7million on August 31, 2008, and $41.8 million on November 30, 2007.Days of inventory increased slightly to 49 days at November 30, 2008, from48 days at fiscal 2008 year-end and 62 days at November 30, 2007.Days ofreceivables were 57 days compared with 58 at the end of fiscal 2008 and 63 atNovember 30, 2007.Days of payables were 34 days at both November 30, 2008and the end of fiscal 2008, compared with 31 days at November 30, 2007.TheCompany's net debt, defined as debt minus cash, was in a net positive cashposition of $6.9 million at November 30, 2008, which was an improvement of$23.0 million compared with the August 31, 2008 net debt of $16.1 million,reflecting the positive effects of the increased cash flow from operations.On November 30, 2008, the Company had more than $300 million available toborrow on its credit lines.Share RepurchaseDuring the first quarter, the Company bought back approximately 79,000shares at an average price of $15.50 per share.The Company has approximately2.9 million shares available to be repurchased under its existingauthorization and may repurchase its common shares from time to time as itreviews the use of its liquidity and the state of market conditions.Segment InformationOn September 1, 2008, the Company appointed a General Manager for its Asiaoperations.As a result, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2009, theCompany will report the Asian segment separately from Europe.Comparableprior period financial statements will be restated quarterly to reflect thechange.Europe OperationsSales in A. Schulman's Europe operations were $280.8 million for thefiscal 2009 first quarter, down $76.4 million or 21.4 from the comparablequarter last year.Tonnage was down 20.8 and changes in prices and productmix increased sales 3.8.The translation effect of foreign currencies,primarily the euro, decreased sales $15.7 million or 4.4.The decline intonnage was most prominent in November as the effects of the global recessionintensified.Gross profit for the fiscal 2009 first quarter was $34.4 million or 12.2of net sales, down 24.1 or $10.9 million from $45.3 million or 12.7 of netsales for the first quarter of last year.Foreign exchange contributed $1.7million of the decrease, with the declining volume, partially offset by thepositive change in price and mix, accounting for the remainder.Gross profitwas affected by two significant factors, particularly in November: The primary driver was declining selling prices combined with a write-down of inventory related to decreasing market values, in conjunction with Fixed manufacturing costs which were not aligned with lower productionvolumes.These factors contributed more than $5 million of unfavorable pre-taxvariances in November alone.As a result of these developments, the Companyannounced its initial measures to address the fixed manufacturing cost issueon December 10, 2008, including reducing capacity, reducing manufacturingheadcount and scheduling major facilities onto a four-day work week.Operating income for the fiscal 2009 first quarter was $14.0 millioncompared with $22.8 million in the same quarter last year, a decrease of $8.8million.The lower gross profit accounted for a majority of the decline whilethe weakening euro contributed an additional $0.5 million of the decrease.North America OperationsTotal North America reported combined operating losses of $3.4 million forthe first quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with operating losses of $3.2million a year ago.The first-quarter 2009 operating losses included morethan $0.3 million of additional bad debt expense and $0.4 million of start-upcosts for the new Akron Polybatch facility.Excluding these two incrementalexpenses, the improvement in operating loss compared with the prior year isdirectly related to cost-control activities that allowed the business units tooffset large declines in volume in light of the current economic environment.The Company believes that its actions taken during fiscal 2008 and the actionsannounced in December 2008 have positioned its North American businesses forat least break-even performance going forward and a return to profitabilitywhen the economy improves.North America Polybatch (NAPB) reported sales of $28.0 million for thefiscal first quarter, down $6.9 million or 19.8.Tonnage was down 29.8 forthe quarter, reflecting the general business conditions, while sales increasedapproximately 14.1 due to pricing and mix.The decline in tonnage was mostprominent in November as the effects of the global recession intensified.Gross profit for NAPB declined to $2.3 million for the quarter from $3.6million a year ago, as a result of decreasing volumes and the $0.4 million ofstart-up costs associated with the new Akron Polybatch facility.Operatingincome declined to $0.7 million from $1.9 million a year ago, as SG&A cost-control efforts did not completely offset the gross profit declines.North America Engineered Plastics (NAEP) reported sales of $44.3 millionfor the quarter, down 25.1 from a year ago.Tonnage was down 51.6 for thequarter.Half of the decline was due to the phasing out of lower-marginbusiness while the remainder was due to the weaker economic conditions.Grossprofit for NAEP declined to $2.8 million for the quarter from $5.0 million ayear ago.The decline was almost completely volume-driven.Manufacturingcosts have been reduced by almost 50, and more reductions are expected as aresult of the reorganization actions announced on December 10, 2008.Theeffect of price and mix increased sales by approximately 28.5 as the effortsto eliminate lower-margin business have taken hold.Compared with the sameperiod last fiscal year, the average selling price per pound was up 55 forthe quarter and contribution margin (gross profit before manufacturing cost)increased 30 per pound.Operating losses increased to $0.9 million from $0.5million a year ago as the reduced SG&A was more than offset by the decline ingross profit.North America Distribution Services reported sales of $26.0 million forthe quarter, down 24.5 or $8.4 million from the comparable period last year.Tonnage was down 40 for the quarter, reflecting the weak economic conditions.Gross profit for the business was $1.8 million for the quarter compared with$2.4 million for the prior-year quarter, as increases in pricing partiallyoffset the volume decline.Gross profit margin was effectively flat at 7.Operating income declined to $0.9 million from $1.4 million a year ago, as aresult of the volume declines which were partially offset by the sales priceincreases.Invision recorded operating losses of $1.1 million for the quarter, animprovement from operating losses of $1.9 million a year ago, as a result ofcost reductions.The Company has reduced all non-essential spending onInvision as it refocuses the business to non-automotive markets and looks fora strategic partner or buyer for the business.Asian OperationsThe Asian segment consists of two facilities, one located in Indonesia andthe other in China.The two facilities support sales in the Pacific Rim andIndia.Reflecting the current downward trend in these markets, sales for thissegment were $9.2 million, a decrease of 14.5 from last year's first quarter,driven primarily by a 36.3 decline in volume partially offset by a 19.3increase in pricing and product mix.The gross profit was relatively flat,reflecting the effect of the increased pricing and mix.Operating lossesincreased to $0.3 million for the quarter from $0.2 million a year ago as aresult of the volume decline.Foreign Currency Transaction GainsThe Company experienced more than $7.0 million of foreign currencytransaction gains during the quarter as a result, primarily, of the very rapiddecline of the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar compared with the U.S. dollar.These are non-cash gains that result from month-end revaluations of theCompany's dollar balances, primarily in Mexico and Canada.When the value offoreign currency declines, a similar U.S. dollars.TheCompany's Canadian dollar position has been reduced dramatically while theMexican position is now being hedged to reduce this volatility.Business Outlook"Due to the very uncertain economic environment we anticipate in 2009, ourfocus will remain on liquidity to protect our shareholders," Gingo said."November's poor market performance appears to have continued into Decemberand we do not anticipate any significant recovery in January.February willbe a very key month in determining our outlook for the remainder of the fiscalyear.If the demand returns to the moderate level experienced in October, wewill be able to stand by our prior guidance of $30 million to $35 million innet income, excluding unusual items, for fiscal 2009, as we announced onDecember 10, 2008."However, if February demand remains at November's level, we will takefurther actions to align our capacity with this reduction.Additionally, dueto the rapidly dropping resin prices, we attempted to sell-off as much resinas possible to reduce inventory levels, thus reducing our exposure to fallingprice pressures and inventory write-downs, and generate positive cash flow.Fortunately, it appears resin pricing has begun to stabilize at a much lowerlevel.In addition, we do not anticipate further significant capacityreduction in North America in fiscal 2009.However, the situation in Europemay have to be addressed again as the economic situation unfolds.No matterwhat the outlook for 2009, we remain committed to delivering superior returnsin any economic environment."Conference Call on the WebA live Internet broadcast of A. Schulman's conference call regardingfiscal 2009 first-quarter earnings can be accessed at 10 a.m. Eastern time onMonday, January 12, 2009, on the Company's website, replay of the call will be available on the website.The liveconference call is also accessible in a listen-only mode by telephone at 617-614-3673, passcode 91381961.Use of Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresThis earnings release includes the use of both GAAP (generally acceptedaccounting principles) and non-GAAP financial measures.The non-GAAPfinancial measures are net income excluding unusual items and net income perdiluted share excluding unusual items.The most directly comparable GAAPfinancial measures are net income and net income per diluted share.A tableincluded in this news release reconciles each non-GAAP financial measure withthe most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.A. Schulman uses these financial measures to monitor and evaluate theongoing performance of the Company and to allocate resources, and believesthat the additional non-GAAP measures are useful to investors for financialanalysis.In addition, the Company believes that providing this informationis in the best interest of our investors so that they can accurately considerthe non-GAAP financial information.However, non-GAAP measures are not inaccordance with, nor are they a substitute for, GAAP measures.While management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provideuseful supplemental information to investors, there are limitations associatedwith the use of these measures.These non-GAAP financial measures are notprepared in accordance with GAAP, may not be reported by all of the Company'scompetitors and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures ofthe Company's competitors due to potential differences in the exact method ofcalculation.The Company compensates for these limitations by using thesenon-GAAP financial measures as supplements to GAAP financial measures and byreviewing the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their mostcomparable GAAP financial measures.The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be consideredin isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures, andshould be read only in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financialstatements prepared in accordance with GAAP.About A Schulman, Inc.Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A.

Schulman is a leading internationalsupplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins.These materialsare used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packagingapplications.The Company employs about 2,100 people and has 16 manufacturingfacilities in North America, Europe and Asia.Revenues for the fiscal yearended August 31, 2008, were $1.98 billion.Additional information about A.Schulman can be found at StatementsCertain statements in this release may constitute forward-lookingstatements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. These statementscan be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic orcurrent facts. These forward-looking statements are based on currently availableinformation, but are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks andother factors concerning the Company's operations and business environment,which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company.Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially fromthose suggested by these forward-looking statements, and that could adverselyaffect the Company's future financial performance, include, but are notlimited to, the following: Worldwide and regional economic, business and political conditions,including continuing economic uncertainties in some or all of the Company'smajor product markets; Fluctuations in the value of currencies in major areas where theCompany operates, including the U.S dollar, euro, U.K. pound sterling,Canadian dollar, Mexican peso, Chinese yuan and Indonesian rupiah; Fluctuations in the prices of sources of energy or plastic resins andother raw materials; Changes in customer demand and requirements; Escalation in the cost of providing employee health care; The outcome of any legal claims known or unknown; The performance of the North American auto market; The global financial market turbulence; and The global or regional economic slowdown or recession.Additional risk factors that could affect the Company's performance areset forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.In addition, risks anduncertainties not presently known to the Company or that it believes to beimmaterial also may adversely affect the Company. Should any known or unknownrisks or uncertainties develop into actual events, or underlying assumptionsprove inaccurate, these developments could have material adverse effects onthe Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.This release contains time-sensitive information that reflectsmanagement's best analysis only as of the date of this release A. Schulmandoes not undertake an obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new events, information or circumstances, orotherwise.

Further information concerning issues that could materially affectfinancial performance related to forward-looking statements can be found in A.Schulman's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.A. SCHULMAN, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEThree months ended November 30,2008 2007 Unaudited(In thousands except per share data)Net sales $388,405 $496,575Cost of sales347,352440,985Selling, general and administrative expenses 34,914 39,308Minority interest158245Interest expense 1,2501,611Interest income (849)(482)Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses (7,306) 133Other (income) expense(222) 332Restructuring expense6016 375,898482,138Income before taxes 12,507 14,437Provision for U.S. and foreign income taxes payable2,4873,212Accrued payrolls, taxes and related benefits 31,398 37,686Other accrued liabilities 32,420 34,566 Total current liabilities 214,598259,230Long-term debt99,221104,298Other long-term liabilities 77,358 88,235Deferred income taxes4,7685,544Minority interest5,6915,533Commitments and contingenciesStockholders' equity:Preferred stock, 5 cumulative, $100 par value, authorized, issued and outstanding - 10,564 shares at November 30, 2008 and August 31, 20081,0571,057Special stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstandingCommon stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000,000 shares, issued - 42,234,194 shares at November 30, 2008 and 42,231,341 shares at August 31, 200842,234 42,231Other capital112,670112,105Accumulated other comprehensive income 21,297 79,903Retained earnings517,672513,451Treasury stock, at cost, 16,174,011 shares at November 30, 2008 and 16,095,491 shares at August 31, 2008 (322,383)(321,166)Common stockholders' equity371,490426,524 Total stockholders' equity372,547427,581$774,183 $890,421A. SCHULMAN, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Three months ended November 30, 2008 2007 Unaudited (In thousands)Provided from (used in) operating activities:Net income$8,172$10,025Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,8717,079 Deferred tax provision683 85 Pension and other deferredcompensation(1,252) 2,710 Postretirement benefitobligation (48) 304 Net gains on asset sales (152) (20) Minority interest in net incomeof subsidiaries158245 Restructuring charges 6016Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable34,926(13,367) Inventories17,224(14,577) Accounts payable(15,658)12,445 Restructuring payments (452) (71) Income taxes (2,711)(873) Accrued payrolls and otheraccrued liabilities (677) 3,377 Changes in other assets and other long-term liabilities(2,416) 1,397 Net cash provided from operating activities 44,2698,765Provided from (used in) investing activities:Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (11,294)(8,157)Proceeds from the sale of assets 213158Net cash used in investing activities(11,081)(7,999)Provided from (used in) financing activities:Cash dividends paid (3,951)(4,063)Increase (decrease) in notes payable12 (1,229)Borrowings on revolving credit facilities 15,000 34,628Repayments on revolving credit facilities(10,000) (32,073)Cash distributions to minority shareholders- (300)Common stock issued 65861Purchases of treasury stock (1,217) -Net cash used in financing activities(91)(2,176)Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(15,062) 141Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 18,035 (1,269)Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period97,728 43,045Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $115,763$41,776A SCHULMAN, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL SEGMENT INFORMATION Three months ended November 30,20082007Unaudited (In thousands, except for )Net Sales to Unaffiliated CustomersEurope$280,847$357,266North America Polybatch 28,04434,975North America Engineered Plastics 44,26859,112North America Distribution Services 25,97134,395Asia 9,18710,739Invision8888 Total Net Sales to UnaffiliatedCustomers $388,405$496,575Segment Gross ProfitEurope $34,395 $45,313North America Polybatch2,290 3,610North America Engineered Plastics2,757 5,040North America Distribution Services1,845 2,413Asia 714 777Invision(948) (1,563) Total Segment Gross Profit$41,053 $55,590Segment Operating IncomeEurope $14,032 $22,789North America Polybatch692 1,919North America Engineered Plastics (941) (480)North America Distribution Services924 1,391Asia(290) (211)Invision(1,067) (1,885)All other North America (3,009) (4,105) Total Segment Operating Income$10,341 $19,418Corporate and other (4,360) (3,381)Interest expense, net (401) (1,129)Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)7,306(133)Other income (expense) 222(332)Restructuring expense (601) (6) Income Before Taxes $12,507 $14,437Capacity UtilizationEurope 73102North America Polybatch87114North America Engineered Plastics89 82Asia 45 60Worldwide74 95A. CHICAGO(Business Wire)Fitch Ratings has downgraded the Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and debt ratingsof YRC Worldwide Inc.